EP3348938B1 - Refrigeration cycle system - Google Patents
Refrigeration cycle system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP3348938B1 EP3348938B1 EP15903525.2A EP15903525A EP3348938B1 EP 3348938 B1 EP3348938 B1 EP 3348938B1 EP 15903525 A EP15903525 A EP 15903525A EP 3348938 B1 EP3348938 B1 EP 3348938B1
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- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- compressor
- time
- value
- refrigerant
- detection value
- Prior art date
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- 238000005057 refrigeration Methods 0.000 title claims description 50
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 claims description 114
- 239000003507 refrigerant Substances 0.000 claims description 87
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims description 58
- 230000006837 decompression Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 38
- 230000007704 transition Effects 0.000 description 14
- 230000014509 gene expression Effects 0.000 description 10
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 9
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 8
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 description 7
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 7
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 5
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 4
- LYCAIKOWRPUZTN-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ethylene glycol Chemical compound OCCO LYCAIKOWRPUZTN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000007864 aqueous solution Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000005338 heat storage Methods 0.000 description 2
- UXVMQQNJUSDDNG-UHFFFAOYSA-L Calcium chloride Chemical compound [Cl-].[Cl-].[Ca+2] UXVMQQNJUSDDNG-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 1
- LFQSCWFLJHTTHZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ethanol Chemical compound CCO LFQSCWFLJHTTHZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000002159 abnormal effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000012267 brine Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910001628 calcium chloride Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000001110 calcium chloride Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002131 composite material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000001704 evaporation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008020 evaporation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000003673 groundwater Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000002452 interceptive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004065 semiconductor Substances 0.000 description 1
- HPALAKNZSZLMCH-UHFFFAOYSA-M sodium;chloride;hydrate Chemical compound O.[Na+].[Cl-] HPALAKNZSZLMCH-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 1
- 239000000243 solution Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002351 wastewater Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B49/00—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices
- F25B49/005—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices of safety devices
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B2309/00—Gas cycle refrigeration machines
- F25B2309/06—Compression machines, plants or systems characterised by the refrigerant being carbon dioxide
- F25B2309/061—Compression machines, plants or systems characterised by the refrigerant being carbon dioxide with cycle highest pressure above the supercritical pressure
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B2339/00—Details of evaporators; Details of condensers
- F25B2339/04—Details of condensers
- F25B2339/047—Water-cooled condensers
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B2500/00—Problems to be solved
- F25B2500/22—Preventing, detecting or repairing leaks of refrigeration fluids
- F25B2500/222—Detecting refrigerant leaks
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B2500/00—Problems to be solved
- F25B2500/24—Low amount of refrigerant in the system
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B2500/00—Problems to be solved
- F25B2500/26—Problems to be solved characterised by the startup of the refrigeration cycle
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B2600/00—Control issues
- F25B2600/01—Timing
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B2600/00—Control issues
- F25B2600/02—Compressor control
- F25B2600/025—Compressor control by controlling speed
- F25B2600/0253—Compressor control by controlling speed with variable speed
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B2600/00—Control issues
- F25B2600/11—Fan speed control
- F25B2600/112—Fan speed control of evaporator fans
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B2600/00—Control issues
- F25B2600/13—Pump speed control
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B2600/00—Control issues
- F25B2600/25—Control of valves
- F25B2600/2513—Expansion valves
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B2700/00—Sensing or detecting of parameters; Sensors therefor
- F25B2700/15—Power, e.g. by voltage or current
- F25B2700/151—Power, e.g. by voltage or current of the compressor motor
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B2700/00—Sensing or detecting of parameters; Sensors therefor
- F25B2700/21—Temperatures
- F25B2700/2106—Temperatures of fresh outdoor air
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B49/00—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices
- F25B49/02—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices for compression type machines, plants or systems
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B9/00—Compression machines, plants or systems, in which the refrigerant is air or other gas of low boiling point
- F25B9/002—Compression machines, plants or systems, in which the refrigerant is air or other gas of low boiling point characterised by the refrigerant
- F25B9/008—Compression machines, plants or systems, in which the refrigerant is air or other gas of low boiling point characterised by the refrigerant the refrigerant being carbon dioxide
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
- Y02B30/00—Energy efficient heating, ventilation or air conditioning [HVAC]
- Y02B30/70—Efficient control or regulation technologies, e.g. for control of refrigerant flow, motor or heating
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a refrigeration cycle system.
- a refrigeration cycle system having a refrigerant circuit that performs a refrigeration cycle is widely used. There are cases where a refrigerant in the circuit becomes insufficient or is lost due to leakage of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit caused by damage to a pipe or the like. When operation is continued in a state in which the refrigerant in the circuit is insufficient or lost, there is a possibility that a compressor is damaged.
- a heat pump device in PTL 1 shown below determines that the refrigerant is in a gas-insufficient state when a state in which an input current value of the compressor is not more than a reference current value continues for a predetermined time period.
- a refrigeration cycle device in PTL 2 shown below determines that the refrigerant is insufficient in the case where a difference between a fluid temperature of a radiator outlet and a target temperature is not less than a predetermined value and a circulation amount of a fluid is less than a predetermined value.
- the refrigeration cycle device additionally has, as the determination criterion, a condition that a flowing current of the refrigeration cycle device is less than a predetermined value.
- a refrigeration cycle device in PTL 3 shown below determines that the refrigerant is insufficient in the case where the difference between the fluid temperature of the radiator outlet and the target temperature is not less than a predetermined value, the circulation amount of the fluid is less than a predetermined value, and the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor does not reach a target temperature. In addition, the refrigeration cycle device determines that the refrigerant is insufficient in the case where the flowing current of the refrigeration cycle device is less than a predetermined value.
- EP 1 452 809 A1 discloses a refrigerator including a refrigerating cycle including a compressor, a condenser, an expander and an evaporator and filled with a flammable refrigerant, a load detector detecting a change in load of the compressor, and a control device detecting a damage which is a cause for leak of the refrigerant from the refrigerating cycle, based on a detection output of the load detector.
- the above-described conventional art has the following problems.
- a fluid e.g., outside air
- the current value of the compressor is sometimes reduced even when the refrigerant in the circuit is not insufficient.
- an erroneous determination is made in the case of the method in which the current value of the compressor or the refrigeration cycle device is simply compared with the reference value.
- the present invention has been made in order to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a refrigeration cycle system capable of reliably preventing damage to a compressor in a case where a refrigerant is insufficient or lost.
- a refrigeration cycle system of the invention includes: a refrigerant circuit having a compressor configured to compress a refrigerant; means for detecting a compressor current, which is an electric current supplied at least to the compressor; means for acquiring a first detection value, which is a value of the compressor current at a point of time when a first time has elapsed from starting of the compressor; means for acquiring a second detection value, which is a value of the compressor current at a point of time when a second time shorter than the first time has elapsed from the starting of the compressor; and means for stopping the compressor in a case where the first detection value does not exceed a first reference value, and a difference between the first detection value and the second detection value does not exceed a second reference value.
- the means for acquiring the first detection value which is a value of the compressor current at the point of time when the first time has elapsed from the starting of the compressor
- the means for acquiring the second detection value which is a value of the compressor current at the point of time when the second time shorter than the first time has elapsed from the starting of the compressor
- the means for stopping the compressor in the case where the first detection value does not exceed the first reference value and the difference between the first detection value and the second detection value does not exceed the second reference value, whereby it becomes possible to reliably prevent the damage to the compressor in the case where the refrigerant is insufficient or lost.
- Fig. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a refrigeration cycle system of Embodiment 1.
- a refrigeration cycle system 1 of Embodiment 1 includes a compressor 3, a heat exchanger 4, an expansion valve 5, an evaporator 6, a blower 7, an outside air temperature sensor 8, a circulation pump 9, and a controller 100.
- the refrigeration cycle system 1 of Embodiment 1 is a heat pump system in which a first fluid is heated in the heat exchanger 4.
- the first fluid is water.
- the first fluid in the present invention is not limited to water.
- the first fluid in the present invention may be a liquid heating medium (brine) such as, e.g., a calcium chloride aqueous solution, an ethylene glycol aqueous solution, or alcohol, or may also be gas.
- brine liquid heating medium
- the compressor 3 compresses a refrigerant gas.
- the refrigerant is not particularly limited.
- a refrigerant e.g., CO 2
- the heat exchanger 4 exchanges heat between a high-pressure refrigerant compressed by the compressor 3 and the first fluid.
- the heat exchanger 4 has a refrigerant passage 4a and a fluid passage 4b.
- the compressor 3, the refrigerant passage 4a of the heat exchanger 4, the expansion valve 5, and the evaporator 6 are connected to each other annularly via a refrigerant pipe to form a refrigerant circuit 10.
- the refrigeration cycle system 1 performs the operation of a refrigeration cycle (heat pump cycle) with the refrigerant circuit 10.
- the refrigerant and the first fluid in the heat exchanger 4 constitute a countercurrent system.
- the expansion valve 5 is an example of a decompression device that decompresses the high-pressure refrigerant having passed through the heat exchanger 4.
- the opening of the expansion valve 5 is variable.
- the high-pressure refrigerant passes through the expansion valve 5 to thereby become a low-pressure refrigerant in a gas-liquid two-phase state.
- the evaporator 6 evaporates the low-pressure refrigerant in the gas-liquid two-phase state.
- the evaporator 6 is a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and a second fluid.
- the second fluid is outdoor air (hereinafter referred to as "outside air").
- the evaporator 6 may exchange heat between a fluid other than the outside air (e.g., groundwater, wastewater, or solar heated water) and the refrigerant.
- a fluid other than the outside air e.g., groundwater, wastewater, or solar heated water
- a low-pressure refrigerant gas obtained by the evaporation in the evaporator 6 is sucked into the compressor 3.
- the blower 7 blows air such that the outside air is supplied to the evaporator 6.
- the blower 7 blows air from the right to the left in Fig. 1 .
- the outside air passes through the evaporator 6 and the blower 7 in this order.
- the blower 7 is an example of a second fluid actuator that supplies the second fluid that exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the evaporator 6 to the evaporator 6.
- the second fluid is a liquid
- the outside air temperature sensor 8 detects the temperature of the outside air supplied to the evaporator 6.
- the outside air temperature sensor 8 is an example of means for detecting the temperature of the second fluid supplied to the evaporator 6.
- the fluid passage 4b of the heat exchanger 4 and the circulation pump 9 are connected to each other via a pipe to form a fluid circuit 20.
- the circulation pump 9 circulates the first fluid (water in Embodiment 1) in the fluid circuit 20.
- the circulation pump 9 is an example of a first fluid actuator that supplies the first fluid to the heat exchanger 4.
- the fluid circuit 20 may be connected to a heat storage tank (not shown) that stores the first fluid (hot water) heated in the heat exchanger 4.
- the fluid circuit 20 may be connected to an indoor-heating appliance (not shown) that performs indoor-heating using the first fluid heated in the heat exchanger 4. Examples of the indoor-heating appliance include a floor heating panel, a radiator, a panel heater, and a fan convector.
- the fluid circuit 20 may be connected to another heat exchanger (not shown) that exchanges heat between the first fluid heated in the heat exchanger 4 and another heating medium (e.g., water).
- the compressor 3, the heat exchanger 4, the expansion valve 5, the evaporator 6, the blower 7, and the outside air temperature sensor 8 may also be housed in one case (not shown).
- the circulation pump 9 may be housed in the case, or may also be housed in another case (e.g., a case that houses the heat storage tank).
- Fig. 2 is a functional block diagram of the refrigeration cycle system 1 of Embodiment 1.
- the refrigeration cycle system 1 further includes a current detector 12, a power detector 13, and a remote control device 200.
- the controller 100 includes a compressor control section 101, an expansion valve control section 102, a blower control section 103, a pump control section 104, and a time measurement section 105.
- the compressor 3, the expansion valve 5, the blower 7, the outside air temperature sensor 8, the circulation pump 9, the current detector 12, and the power detector 13 are electrically connected to the controller 100.
- the controller 100 controls the operation of the refrigeration cycle system 1.
- the compressor control section 101 controls the operation of the compressor 3.
- the operating speed of the compressor 3 is variable.
- the compressor control section 101 can make the operating speed of the compressor 3 variable by making the operating frequency of a motor of the compressor 3 variable using inverter control.
- the expansion valve control section 102 controls the opening of the expansion valve 5.
- the blower control section 103 controls the operation of the blower 7.
- the operating speed of the blower 7 is variable.
- the blower control section 103 can make the operating speed of the blower 7 variable by making the operating frequency of a motor of the blower 7 variable using the inverter control.
- the pump control section 104 controls the operation of the circulation pump 9.
- the pump control section 104 can control the circulation flow rate of the first fluid (water) in the fluid circuit 20 by controlling the operating speed of the circulation pump 9.
- the time measurement section 105 measures time.
- the current detector 12 detects a compressor current.
- the compressor current is an electrical current supplied at least to the compressor 3.
- the value of the compressor current detected by the current detector 12 serves as an index of a value of an electrical current flowing to the compressor 3.
- the current detector 12 may detect an electrical current supplied only to the compressor 3 as the compressor current.
- the electrical current supplied to the compressor 3 occupies the majority of the electrical current supplied to the entire refrigeration cycle system 1. Accordingly, the current detector 12 may detect an electrical current including an electrical current supplied to other equipment (the blower 7, the circulation pump 9, and the like) of the refrigeration cycle system 1 in addition to the current supplied to the compressor 3 as the compressor current.
- the current detector 12 may detect the current supplied to the entire refrigeration cycle system 1 as the compressor current. In the case of alternating current, the current detector 12 may detect an effective value of the current as the compressor current.
- the power detector 13 detects compressor power.
- the compressor power is electrical power consumed at least by the compressor 3.
- the value of the compressor power detected by the power detector 13 serves as an index of a value of an electrical power consumed by the compressor 3.
- the power detector 13 may detect electrical power consumed only by the compressor 3 as the compressor power.
- the electrical power consumed by the compressor 3 occupies the majority of the electrical power consumed by the entire refrigeration cycle system 1. Accordingly, the power detector 13 may detect electrical power including electrical power consumed by other equipment (the blower 7, the circulation pump 9, and the like) of the refrigeration cycle system 1 in addition to the electrical power consumed by the compressor 3 as the compressor power.
- the power detector 13 may detect electrical power consumed by the entire refrigeration cycle system 1 as the compressor power. In the case of alternating current, the power detector 13 may detect active power as the compressor power.
- the remote control device 200 includes an operation section such as a switch that is operated by a user, and a display section that displays information on the state of the refrigeration cycle system 1 or the like.
- the remote control device 200 is connected to the controller 100 so as to be capable of interactive data communication.
- the communication between the controller 100 and the remote control device 200 may be wired or wireless communication.
- Fig. 3 is a view showing an example of the hardware configuration of the controller 100 of the refrigeration cycle system 1 of Embodiment 1.
- the processing circuit of the controller 100 includes at least one processor 110 and at least one memory 120.
- the processing circuit includes at least one processor 110 and at least one memory 120
- the individual functions of the controller 100 are implemented by software, firmware, or a combination of the software and the firmware.
- At least one of the software and the firmware is described as a program.
- At least one of the software and the firmware is stored in at least one memory 120.
- At least one processor 110 implements the individual functions of the controller 100 by reading and executing a program stored in at least one memory 120.
- At least one processor 110 is also referred to as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a central processor, a processing unit, an arithmetic unit, a microprocessor, a microcomputer, or a DSP.
- CPU Central Processing Unit
- At least one memory 120 is, e.g., a non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as a RAM, a ROM, a flash memory, an EPROM, or an EEPROM, a magnetic disk, a flexible disk, an optical disk, a compact disk, a minidisc, or a DVD.
- a non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as a RAM, a ROM, a flash memory, an EPROM, or an EEPROM, a magnetic disk, a flexible disk, an optical disk, a compact disk, a minidisc, or a DVD.
- Fig. 4 is a view showing another example of the hardware configuration of the controller 100 of the refrigeration cycle system 1 of Embodiment 1.
- the processing circuit of the controller 100 includes at least one dedicated hardware 130.
- the processing circuit includes at least one dedicated hardware 130
- the processing circuit is, e.g., a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel-programmed processor, an ASIC, a FPGA, or a combination thereof.
- Each of the functions of the individual sections of the controller 100 may be implemented by the processing circuit.
- the functions of the individual sections of the controller 100 may be collectively implemented by the processing circuit.
- the processing circuit implements the individual functions of the controller 100 with the hardware 130, the software, the firmware, or a combination thereof.
- the compressor 3 After the compressor 3 is started, it is determined whether the refrigerant is in the gas-insufficient state or the gas-sufficient state.
- this process is referred to as a "gas-insufficient state detection process".
- the compressor 3 In the case where it is determined that the refrigerant is in the gas-insufficient state in the gas-insufficient state detection process, the compressor 3 is stopped in order to prevent damage to the compressor 3.
- Fig. 5 is a time chart showing the operations of the individual sections in the gas-insufficient state detection process of the refrigeration cycle system 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in Fig. 5 , when the compressor 3 is started, the controller 100 causes the individual sections to operate in the following manner.
- the length of the second time (time t2) is different from the length of the first time (time t1).
- the first time (time t1) is longer than the second time (time t2).
- the length of the third time is equal to the length of the first time.
- the length of the third time may also be different from the length of the first time.
- the gas-insufficient state detection process is ended at the point of time when the time t1 has elapsed from the starting of the compressor 3.
- the compressor control section 101 it is preferable for the compressor control section 101 to maintain the operating speed of the compressor 3 at a constant value until the first detection value I1, the second detection value 12, and the third detection value W1 are acquired. That is, it is preferable for the compressor control section 101 to maintain the operating speed of the compressor 3 at the constant value until the gas-insufficient state detection process is ended.
- the expansion valve control section 102 it is preferable for the expansion valve control section 102 to maintain the opening of the expansion valve 5 at a constant value until the first detection value I1, the second detection value I2, and the third detection value W1 are acquired.
- the expansion valve control section 102 it is preferable for the expansion valve control section 102 to maintain the opening of the expansion valve 5 at the constant value until the gas-insufficient state detection process is ended. It is preferable for the blower control section 103 to maintain the operating speed of the blower 7 at a constant value until the first detection value I1, the second detection value 12, and the third detection value W1 are acquired. That is, it is preferable for the blower control section 103 to maintain the operating speed of the blower 7 at the constant value until the gas-insufficient state detection process is ended.
- the circulation pump 9 is kept stopped. That is, the first detection value I1, the second detection value 12, and the third detection value W1 are acquired in a state in which the circulation pump 9 does not operate.
- the compressor operating speed, the expansion valve opening, and the blower operating speed after the starting of the compressor 3 are referred to as an initial compressor speed Fa, an initial expansion valve opening La, and an initial blower speed Za, respectively. It is preferable for the controller 100 to set at least one of the initial compressor speed Fa, the initial expansion valve opening La, the initial blower speed Za, and the length of the time t1 (first time) based on an outside air temperature Ta detected by the outside air temperature sensor 8.
- an example of this setting process will be described.
- the values of the initial compressor speed Fa, the initial expansion valve opening La, the initial blower speed Za, and the time t1 are set to Fa1, La1, Za1, and t11, respectively.
- the values of the initial compressor speed Fa, the initial expansion valve opening La, the initial blower speed Za, and the time t1 are set to Fa2, La2, Za2, and t12, respectively.
- the relationship between the first reference temperature Ta1 and the second reference temperature Ta2 satisfies Ta1 ⁇ Ta2.
- the values of the initial compressor speed Fa, the initial expansion valve opening La, the initial blower speed Za, and the time t1 are set to Fa3, La3, Za3, and t13, respectively.
- the values of the initial compressor speed Fa, the initial expansion valve opening La, the initial blower speed Za, and the time t1 are set according to which one of three temperature zones defined by the first reference temperature Ta1 and the second reference temperature Ta2 the outside air temperature Ta belongs to.
- the number thereof is not limited to three, and may also be two, or four or more.
- the values of the initial compressor speed Fa, the initial expansion valve opening La, the initial blower speed Za, and the time t1 may be continuously changed according to the outside air temperature Ta.
- the length of the time t1 (first time) may be made shorter than that when the outside air temperature Ta is low.
- the initial blower speed Za may be made lower than that when the outside air temperature Ta is low.
- Fig. 6 is a graph showing an example of change over time of the compressor current after the starting of the compressor 3.
- Fig. 6 is a graph under a given outside air temperature condition.
- the graph of the solid line indicates the case of the gas-insufficient state.
- the graph of the broken line indicates the case of the gas-sufficient state.
- the change of the compressor current after the starting of the compressor 3 has a time period in which the compressor current continues to rise gradually over a relatively long time.
- the compressor current stops the rise within a short time after the starting of the compressor 3, and becomes substantially constant thereafter.
- the compressor current after becoming substantially constant in the case of the gas-insufficient state is lower than the compressor current in the case of the gas-sufficient state.
- time t1 (first time) and the time t2 (second time) are set to be longer than the time from the starting of the compressor 3 until the rise of the compressor current stops in the case of the gas-insufficient state.
- time t1 (first time) and the time t2 (second time) are set to be longer than the time from the starting of the compressor 3 until the compressor current becomes substantially constant in the case of the gas-insufficient state.
- a difference between the time t1 (first time) and the time t2 (second time) is preferable for a difference between the time t1 (first time) and the time t2 (second time) to be set such that the increase of the compressor current during the time difference is sufficiently large in the case of the gas-sufficient state.
- the controller 100 determines that the refrigerant is in the gas-insufficient state in the case where the first detection value I1 does not exceed a first reference value I ⁇ and the difference between the first detection value I1 and the second detection value 12 does not exceed a second reference value I ⁇ .
- the compressor control section 101 stops the compressor 3. That is, the compressor control section 101 stops the compressor 3 in the case where the following two expressions hold.
- the first detection value I1 (the value of the compressor current at the point of time when the time t1 has elapsed from the starting of the compressor 3) tends to be lower than that in the case of the gas-sufficient state. Accordingly, by comparing the first detection value I1 with the first reference value I ⁇ , it is possible to determine whether the refrigerant is in the gas-insufficient state or the gas-sufficient state accurately.
- the difference between the first detection value I1 (the value of the compressor current at the point of time when the time t1 has elapsed from the starting of the compressor 3) and the second detection value 12 (the value of the compressor current at the point of time when the time t2 has elapsed from the starting of the compressor 3) is relatively large.
- the difference between the first detection value I1 (the value of the compressor current at the point of time when the time t1 has elapsed from the starting of the compressor 3) and the second detection value 12 (the value of the compressor current at the point of time when the time t2 has elapsed from the starting of the compressor 3) is relatively small. Accordingly, by comparing the difference between the first detection value I1 and the second detection value 12 with the second reference value I ⁇ , it is possible to determine whether the refrigerant is in the gas-insufficient state or the gas-sufficient state accurately.
- the time t1 (first time) is longer than the time t2 (second time). That is, the point of time when the first detection value I1 is acquired is later than the point of time when the second detection value 12 is acquired.
- the first detection value I1 that is compared with the first reference value I ⁇ in the above expression (1) is larger than the second detection value 12. Accordingly, in the case of the gas-sufficient state, it is possible to prevent the above expression (1) from holding more reliably. Therefore, when the actual state is the gas-sufficient state, it is possible to prevent the erroneous determination that the refrigerant is in the gas-insufficient state more reliably.
- the point of time when the second detection value 12 is acquired (t2) it is preferable for the point of time that belongs to the initial stage of the gradual rise of the compressor current in the case of the gas-sufficient state. It is preferable for the point of time when the first detection value I1 is acquired (t1) to correspond to the point of time that belongs to the final stage of the gradual rise of the compressor current in the case of the gas-sufficient state.
- the point of time when the first detection value I1 is acquired (t1) it is possible to reliably prevent the above expression (2) or the above expression (3) from holding. Therefore, when the actual state is the gas-sufficient state, it is possible to prevent the erroneous determination that the refrigerant is in the gas-insufficient state more reliably.
- Fig. 7 is a graph showing an example of change over time of the compressor power after the starting of the compressor 3.
- Fig. 7 is a graph under a given outside air temperature condition.
- the graph of the solid line indicates the case of the gas-insufficient state.
- the graph of the broken line indicates the case of the gas-sufficient state.
- the change of the compressor power after the starting of the compressor 3 has a time period immediately after the starting in which the compressor power sharply fluctuates, and a time period in which the compressor power continues to rise gradually over a relatively long time thereafter.
- the change of the compressor power after the starting of the compressor 3 has a time period immediately after the starting in which the compressor power sharply fluctuates, and a time period in which the compressor power becomes substantially constant thereafter.
- the compressor power after becoming substantially constant in the case of the gas-insufficient state is lower than the compressor power in the case of the gas-sufficient state.
- the third detection value W1 is the value of the compressor power at the point of time when the third time has elapsed from the starting of the compressor 3.
- the third time is equal to the first time (t1). That is, the point of time when the third detection value W1 is acquired is equal to the point of time when the first detection value I1 is acquired.
- the configuration is not limited to the above configuration, and the point of time when the third detection value W1 is acquired may also be different from the point of time when the first detection value I1 is acquired. It is preferable for the third time for the acquisition of the third detection value W1 to be set to be longer than the time from the starting of the compressor 3 until the compressor power becomes substantially constant in the case of the gas-insufficient state. In addition, it is preferable for the point of time when the third detection value W1 is acquired to correspond to the point of time that belongs to the final stage of the gradual rise of the compressor power in the case of the gas-sufficient state.
- the controller 100 determines that the refrigerant is in the gas-insufficient state.
- the compressor control section 101 stops the compressor 3. That is, the compressor control section 101 stops the compressor 3 in the case where the following expression holds. W 1 ⁇ W ⁇
- the third detection value W1 (the value of the compressor power at the point of time when the third time (t1) has elapsed from the starting of the compressor 3) tends to be lower than that in the case of the gas-sufficient state. Accordingly, by comparing the third detection value W1 with the third reference value Wy, it is possible to determine whether the refrigerant is in the gas-insufficient state or the gas-sufficient state accurately.
- Fig. 8 is a flowchart of a routine executed by the controller 100 of the refrigeration cycle system 1 of Embodiment 1.
- the routine in Fig. 8 is a routine when the gas-insufficient state detection process is performed.
- the controller 100 executes the routine in Fig. 8 in the case where the controller 100 receives the instruction that requests the starting of the compressor 3 when the compressor 3 is stopped.
- Step S1 after the lapse of the time t3 from the receipt of the instruction, the blower control section 103 starts the blower 7. At this point, the compressor 3 and the circulation pump 9 are not yet started.
- Step S2 the controller 100 acquires the value of the outside air temperature Ta detected by the outside air temperature sensor 8.
- Step S3 the controller 100 sets the initial compressor speed Fa, the initial expansion valve opening La, the initial blower speed Za, and the length of the time t1 based on the outside air temperature Ta detected by the outside air temperature sensor 8.
- Step S4 After the lapse of the time t4 from the starting of the blower 7, the compressor control section 101 starts the compressor 3. At this point, the circulation pump 9 is not yet started.
- Step S4 the following control is further performed.
- the compressor control section 101 controls the compressor 3 such that the initial compressor speed Fa set in Step S3 is attained.
- the expansion valve control section 102 controls the expansion valve 5 such that the initial expansion valve opening La set in Step S3 is attained.
- the blower control section 103 controls the blower 7 such that the initial blower speed Za set in Step S3 is attained.
- Step S5 the controller 100 stores the value of the compressor current (second detection value 12) at the point of time when the second time (time t2) has elapsed from the starting of the compressor 3.
- Step S6 the controller 100 stores the value of the compressor current (first detection value I1) at the point of time when the first time has elapsed from the starting of the compressor 3, and the value of the compressor power (third detection value W1) at the point of time when the third time has elapsed from the starting of the compressor 3.
- first detection value I1 the value of the compressor current
- third detection value W1 the value of the compressor power
- Step S7 the controller 100 compares the first detection value I1 acquired in Step S6 with the first reference value I ⁇ . In the case where I1 ⁇ I ⁇ holds, the routine transitions to Step S8. In the case where I1 ⁇ I ⁇ does not hold, the routine transitions to Step S9.
- Step S8 the controller 100 compares the difference between the first detection value I1 acquired in Step S6 and the second detection value 12 acquired in Step S5 with the second reference value I ⁇ . In the case where I1 - I2 ⁇ I ⁇ holds, the routine transitions to Step S10.
- Step S10 the compressor control section 101 stops the compressor 3.
- the transition corresponds to the determination that the refrigerant is in the gas-insufficient state. According to the present embodiment, when the refrigerant is in the gas-insufficient state, by stopping the compressor 3 in Step S10, it is possible to prevent the operation of the compressor 3 from being continued. Accordingly, it is possible to reliably prevent the damage to the compressor 3.
- Step S9 the controller 100 compares the third detection value W1 acquired in Step S6 with the third reference value W ⁇ . In the case where W1 ⁇ W ⁇ holds, the routine transitions to Step S10. In Step S10, the compressor control section 101 stops the compressor 3. In the case where the routine has transitioned to Step S10, the transition corresponds to the determination that the refrigerant is in the gas-insufficient state.
- Step S11 the routine transitions to Step S11.
- the transition corresponds to the determination that the refrigerant is in the gas-sufficient state (normal).
- the controller 100 may continue the operation of the compressor 3 and also shift the refrigeration cycle system 1 to a normal operation.
- the present embodiment it is possible to perform the gas-insufficient state detection process without using the temperature of the first fluid (water in the present embodiment) heated in the heat exchanger 4. With this, the following effects are obtained.
- the determination that uses the first detection value I1 and the second detection value 12 as the compressor current values is performed. With this, the following effects are obtained.
- the present embodiment by performing the determination that uses the third detection value W1 as the compressor power value in addition to the determination that uses the first detection value I1 and the second detection value 12, it is possible to prevent the erroneous determination more reliably even in the case where the load of the compressor 3 is low and the outside air temperature is low.
- the load of the compressor 3 is increased by increasing the operating speed of the compressor 3 or reducing the opening of the expansion valve 5.
- the determination may be performed by using only the first detection value I1 and the second detection value 12 as the compressor current values without using the compressor power value.
- the present embodiment by performing the gas-insufficient state detection process based on the first detection value I1, the second detection value 12, and the third detection value W1 that are acquired in the state in which the circulation pump 9 does not operate, the following effects are obtained.
- Water is not circulated to the heat exchanger 4, and hence it is possible to prevent the state of the refrigerant from fluctuating in the heat exchanger 4.
- it is possible to prevent the fluctuation of the state of the refrigerant in the heat exchanger 4 from influencing the values of the compressor current and the compressor power. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the influence of a disturbance in the gas-insufficient state detection process, and hence it becomes possible to perform the gas-insufficient state detection process with higher accuracy.
- the present embodiment by maintaining the operating speed of the compressor 3 at the constant value until the gas-insufficient state detection process is ended, the following effects are obtained. It is possible to prevent the fluctuation of the operating speed of the compressor 3 from influencing the values of the compressor current and the compressor power. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the influence of the disturbance in the gas-insufficient state detection process, and hence it becomes possible to perform the gas-insufficient state detection process with higher accuracy.
- the present embodiment by maintaining the opening of the expansion valve 5 at the constant value until the gas-insufficient state detection process is ended, the following effects are obtained. It is possible to prevent the fluctuation of the opening of the expansion valve 5 from influencing the values of the compressor current and the compressor power. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the influence of the disturbance in the gas-insufficient state detection process, and hence it becomes possible to perform the gas-insufficient state detection process with higher accuracy.
- the present embodiment by maintaining the operating speed of the blower 7 at the constant value until the gas-insufficient state detection process is ended, the following effects are obtained. It is possible to prevent the state of the refrigerant in the evaporator 6 from fluctuating. It is possible to prevent the fluctuation of the state of the refrigerant in the evaporator 6 from influencing the values of the compressor current and the compressor power. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the influence of the disturbance in the gas-insufficient state detection process, and hence it becomes possible to perform the gas-insufficient state detection process with higher accuracy.
- the initial compressor speed Fa the initial expansion valve opening La
- the initial blower speed Za the length of the first time based on the outside air temperature Ta detected by the outside air temperature sensor 8.
- the length of the second time may be constant irrespective of the outside air temperature Ta.
- the present embodiment has described the case where the present invention is applied to the heat pump system used for heating of the first fluid in the heat exchanger.
- the application of the present invention is not limited to the heat pump system, and the present invention can also be applied to other refrigeration cycle systems (e.g., a refrigeration cycle system for air cooling or cold storage that is used for cooling of the second fluid in the evaporator).
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Description
- The present invention relates to a refrigeration cycle system.
- A refrigeration cycle system having a refrigerant circuit that performs a refrigeration cycle is widely used. There are cases where a refrigerant in the circuit becomes insufficient or is lost due to leakage of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit caused by damage to a pipe or the like. When operation is continued in a state in which the refrigerant in the circuit is insufficient or lost, there is a possibility that a compressor is damaged.
- In order to prevent a failure caused by the insufficient refrigerant, the refrigeration cycle system having means for detecting the insufficient refrigerant is proposed conventionally. A heat pump device in
PTL 1 shown below determines that the refrigerant is in a gas-insufficient state when a state in which an input current value of the compressor is not more than a reference current value continues for a predetermined time period. - A refrigeration cycle device in
PTL 2 shown below determines that the refrigerant is insufficient in the case where a difference between a fluid temperature of a radiator outlet and a target temperature is not less than a predetermined value and a circulation amount of a fluid is less than a predetermined value. In addition, the refrigeration cycle device additionally has, as the determination criterion, a condition that a flowing current of the refrigeration cycle device is less than a predetermined value. - A refrigeration cycle device in
PTL 3 shown below determines that the refrigerant is insufficient in the case where the difference between the fluid temperature of the radiator outlet and the target temperature is not less than a predetermined value, the circulation amount of the fluid is less than a predetermined value, and the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor does not reach a target temperature. In addition, the refrigeration cycle device determines that the refrigerant is insufficient in the case where the flowing current of the refrigeration cycle device is less than a predetermined value. -
- [PTL 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No.
2003-222449 - [PTL 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No.
2005-133958 - [PTL 3] Japanese Patent Application Publication No.
2008-267761 -
EP 1 452 809 A1 - The above-described conventional art has the following problems. In the case where the temperature of a fluid (e.g., outside air) that exchanges heat with the refrigerant in an evaporator is low, the current value of the compressor is sometimes reduced even when the refrigerant in the circuit is not insufficient. In that case, there is a possibility that an erroneous determination is made in the case of the method in which the current value of the compressor or the refrigeration cycle device is simply compared with the reference value.
- In the case of the method in which the determination is made based on the difference between the fluid temperature of the radiator outlet and the target temperature, it is necessary to have a temperature sensor that detects the fluid temperature of the radiator outlet, and hence there are cases where the cost is increased. In addition, in the case where the temperature sensor has failed, there is a possibility that the erroneous determination is made or the insufficient refrigerant cannot be detected. Further, in the case where the target temperature of the radiator outlet is low, even when the refrigerant is insufficient, the difference between the target temperature and the actual fluid temperature of the radiator outlet is sometimes reduced. In that case, there is a possibility that the insufficient refrigerant cannot be detected. In addition, it takes time for the detected fluid temperature to rise depending on an installation position of the temperature sensor. In that case, it takes time to detect the insufficiency or loss of the refrigerant in the circuit, and hence there is a possibility that it is not possible to reliably prevent the damage to the compressor.
- The present invention has been made in order to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a refrigeration cycle system capable of reliably preventing damage to a compressor in a case where a refrigerant is insufficient or lost.
- A refrigeration cycle system of the invention includes: a refrigerant circuit having a compressor configured to compress a refrigerant; means for detecting a compressor current, which is an electric current supplied at least to the compressor; means for acquiring a first detection value, which is a value of the compressor current at a point of time when a first time has elapsed from starting of the compressor; means for acquiring a second detection value, which is a value of the compressor current at a point of time when a second time shorter than the first time has elapsed from the starting of the compressor; and means for stopping the compressor in a case where the first detection value does not exceed a first reference value, and a difference between the first detection value and the second detection value does not exceed a second reference value.
- According to the refrigeration cycle system of the present invention, there are provided the means for acquiring the first detection value, which is a value of the compressor current at the point of time when the first time has elapsed from the starting of the compressor, the means for acquiring the second detection value, which is a value of the compressor current at the point of time when the second time shorter than the first time has elapsed from the starting of the compressor, and the means for stopping the compressor in the case where the first detection value does not exceed the first reference value and the difference between the first detection value and the second detection value does not exceed the second reference value, whereby it becomes possible to reliably prevent the damage to the compressor in the case where the refrigerant is insufficient or lost.
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Fig. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a refrigeration cycle system ofEmbodiment 1. -
Fig. 2 is a functional block diagram of the refrigeration cycle system ofEmbodiment 1. -
Fig. 3 is a view showing an example of a hardware configuration of a controller of the refrigeration cycle system ofEmbodiment 1. -
Fig. 4 is a view showing another example of the hardware configuration of the controller of the refrigeration cycle system ofEmbodiment 1. -
Fig. 5 is a time chart showing operations of individual sections in a gas-insufficient state detection process of the refrigeration cycle system of the present embodiment. -
Fig. 6 is a graph showing an example of change over time of a compressor current after starting of a compressor. -
Fig. 7 is a graph showing an example of change over time of compressor power after the starting of the compressor. -
Fig. 8 is a flowchart of a routine executed by the controller of the refrigeration cycle system ofEmbodiment 1. - Hereinbelow, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Common elements in the respective drawings are designated by the same reference numerals, and the repeated description thereof will be simplified or omitted. In principle, the numbers, dispositions, orientations, shapes, and sizes of devices, apparatuses, and components in the present invention are not limited to the numbers, dispositions, orientations, shapes, and sizes shown in the drawings. In addition, the present invention includes all combinations of, among configurations described in the following embodiment, configurations that can be combined.
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Fig. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a refrigeration cycle system ofEmbodiment 1. As shown inFig. 1 , arefrigeration cycle system 1 ofEmbodiment 1 includes acompressor 3, aheat exchanger 4, anexpansion valve 5, anevaporator 6, ablower 7, an outsideair temperature sensor 8, acirculation pump 9, and acontroller 100. Therefrigeration cycle system 1 ofEmbodiment 1 is a heat pump system in which a first fluid is heated in theheat exchanger 4. InEmbodiment 1, the first fluid is water. The first fluid in the present invention is not limited to water. The first fluid in the present invention may be a liquid heating medium (brine) such as, e.g., a calcium chloride aqueous solution, an ethylene glycol aqueous solution, or alcohol, or may also be gas. - The
compressor 3 compresses a refrigerant gas. The refrigerant is not particularly limited. A refrigerant (e.g., CO2), the high pressure side of which is a supercritical pressure, is preferable. Theheat exchanger 4 exchanges heat between a high-pressure refrigerant compressed by thecompressor 3 and the first fluid. Theheat exchanger 4 has arefrigerant passage 4a and afluid passage 4b. Thecompressor 3, therefrigerant passage 4a of theheat exchanger 4, theexpansion valve 5, and theevaporator 6 are connected to each other annularly via a refrigerant pipe to form arefrigerant circuit 10. Therefrigeration cycle system 1 performs the operation of a refrigeration cycle (heat pump cycle) with therefrigerant circuit 10. InEmbodiment 1, the refrigerant and the first fluid in theheat exchanger 4 constitute a countercurrent system. - The
expansion valve 5 is an example of a decompression device that decompresses the high-pressure refrigerant having passed through theheat exchanger 4. The opening of theexpansion valve 5 is variable. The high-pressure refrigerant passes through theexpansion valve 5 to thereby become a low-pressure refrigerant in a gas-liquid two-phase state. Theevaporator 6 evaporates the low-pressure refrigerant in the gas-liquid two-phase state. Theevaporator 6 is a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and a second fluid. InEmbodiment 1, the second fluid is outdoor air (hereinafter referred to as "outside air"). Theevaporator 6 may exchange heat between a fluid other than the outside air (e.g., groundwater, wastewater, or solar heated water) and the refrigerant. A low-pressure refrigerant gas obtained by the evaporation in theevaporator 6 is sucked into thecompressor 3. - The
blower 7 blows air such that the outside air is supplied to theevaporator 6. Theblower 7 blows air from the right to the left inFig. 1 . The outside air passes through theevaporator 6 and theblower 7 in this order. Theblower 7 is an example of a second fluid actuator that supplies the second fluid that exchanges heat with the refrigerant in theevaporator 6 to theevaporator 6. In the case where the second fluid is a liquid, it is possible to use a pump that sends out the liquid as the second fluid actuator. The outsideair temperature sensor 8 detects the temperature of the outside air supplied to theevaporator 6. The outsideair temperature sensor 8 is an example of means for detecting the temperature of the second fluid supplied to theevaporator 6. - The
fluid passage 4b of theheat exchanger 4 and thecirculation pump 9 are connected to each other via a pipe to form afluid circuit 20. Thecirculation pump 9 circulates the first fluid (water in Embodiment 1) in thefluid circuit 20. Thecirculation pump 9 is an example of a first fluid actuator that supplies the first fluid to theheat exchanger 4. Thefluid circuit 20 may be connected to a heat storage tank (not shown) that stores the first fluid (hot water) heated in theheat exchanger 4. Thefluid circuit 20 may be connected to an indoor-heating appliance (not shown) that performs indoor-heating using the first fluid heated in theheat exchanger 4. Examples of the indoor-heating appliance include a floor heating panel, a radiator, a panel heater, and a fan convector. Thefluid circuit 20 may be connected to another heat exchanger (not shown) that exchanges heat between the first fluid heated in theheat exchanger 4 and another heating medium (e.g., water). - The
compressor 3, theheat exchanger 4, theexpansion valve 5, theevaporator 6, theblower 7, and the outsideair temperature sensor 8 may also be housed in one case (not shown). Thecirculation pump 9 may be housed in the case, or may also be housed in another case (e.g., a case that houses the heat storage tank). -
Fig. 2 is a functional block diagram of therefrigeration cycle system 1 ofEmbodiment 1. As shown inFig. 2 , therefrigeration cycle system 1 further includes acurrent detector 12, apower detector 13, and aremote control device 200. Thecontroller 100 includes acompressor control section 101, an expansionvalve control section 102, ablower control section 103, apump control section 104, and atime measurement section 105. Thecompressor 3, theexpansion valve 5, theblower 7, the outsideair temperature sensor 8, thecirculation pump 9, thecurrent detector 12, and thepower detector 13 are electrically connected to thecontroller 100. Thecontroller 100 controls the operation of therefrigeration cycle system 1. - The
compressor control section 101 controls the operation of thecompressor 3. The operating speed of thecompressor 3 is variable. For example, thecompressor control section 101 can make the operating speed of thecompressor 3 variable by making the operating frequency of a motor of thecompressor 3 variable using inverter control. The expansionvalve control section 102 controls the opening of theexpansion valve 5. - The
blower control section 103 controls the operation of theblower 7. The operating speed of theblower 7 is variable. For example, theblower control section 103 can make the operating speed of theblower 7 variable by making the operating frequency of a motor of theblower 7 variable using the inverter control. - The
pump control section 104 controls the operation of thecirculation pump 9. Thepump control section 104 can control the circulation flow rate of the first fluid (water) in thefluid circuit 20 by controlling the operating speed of thecirculation pump 9. Thetime measurement section 105 measures time. - The
current detector 12 detects a compressor current. The compressor current is an electrical current supplied at least to thecompressor 3. The value of the compressor current detected by thecurrent detector 12 serves as an index of a value of an electrical current flowing to thecompressor 3. Thecurrent detector 12 may detect an electrical current supplied only to thecompressor 3 as the compressor current. The electrical current supplied to thecompressor 3 occupies the majority of the electrical current supplied to the entirerefrigeration cycle system 1. Accordingly, thecurrent detector 12 may detect an electrical current including an electrical current supplied to other equipment (theblower 7, thecirculation pump 9, and the like) of therefrigeration cycle system 1 in addition to the current supplied to thecompressor 3 as the compressor current. In addition, thecurrent detector 12 may detect the current supplied to the entirerefrigeration cycle system 1 as the compressor current. In the case of alternating current, thecurrent detector 12 may detect an effective value of the current as the compressor current. - The
power detector 13 detects compressor power. The compressor power is electrical power consumed at least by thecompressor 3. The value of the compressor power detected by thepower detector 13 serves as an index of a value of an electrical power consumed by thecompressor 3. Thepower detector 13 may detect electrical power consumed only by thecompressor 3 as the compressor power. The electrical power consumed by thecompressor 3 occupies the majority of the electrical power consumed by the entirerefrigeration cycle system 1. Accordingly, thepower detector 13 may detect electrical power including electrical power consumed by other equipment (theblower 7, thecirculation pump 9, and the like) of therefrigeration cycle system 1 in addition to the electrical power consumed by thecompressor 3 as the compressor power. In addition, thepower detector 13 may detect electrical power consumed by the entirerefrigeration cycle system 1 as the compressor power. In the case of alternating current, thepower detector 13 may detect active power as the compressor power. - The
remote control device 200 includes an operation section such as a switch that is operated by a user, and a display section that displays information on the state of therefrigeration cycle system 1 or the like. Theremote control device 200 is connected to thecontroller 100 so as to be capable of interactive data communication. The communication between thecontroller 100 and theremote control device 200 may be wired or wireless communication. - The individual functions of the
controller 100 are implemented by a processing circuit.Fig. 3 is a view showing an example of the hardware configuration of thecontroller 100 of therefrigeration cycle system 1 ofEmbodiment 1. In the example shown inFig. 3 , the processing circuit of thecontroller 100 includes at least oneprocessor 110 and at least onememory 120. - In the case where the processing circuit includes at least one
processor 110 and at least onememory 120, the individual functions of thecontroller 100 are implemented by software, firmware, or a combination of the software and the firmware. At least one of the software and the firmware is described as a program. At least one of the software and the firmware is stored in at least onememory 120. At least oneprocessor 110 implements the individual functions of thecontroller 100 by reading and executing a program stored in at least onememory 120. At least oneprocessor 110 is also referred to as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a central processor, a processing unit, an arithmetic unit, a microprocessor, a microcomputer, or a DSP. At least onememory 120 is, e.g., a non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as a RAM, a ROM, a flash memory, an EPROM, or an EEPROM, a magnetic disk, a flexible disk, an optical disk, a compact disk, a minidisc, or a DVD. -
Fig. 4 is a view showing another example of the hardware configuration of thecontroller 100 of therefrigeration cycle system 1 ofEmbodiment 1. In the example shown inFig. 4 , the processing circuit of thecontroller 100 includes at least onededicated hardware 130. - In the case where the processing circuit includes at least one
dedicated hardware 130, the processing circuit is, e.g., a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel-programmed processor, an ASIC, a FPGA, or a combination thereof. Each of the functions of the individual sections of thecontroller 100 may be implemented by the processing circuit. The functions of the individual sections of thecontroller 100 may be collectively implemented by the processing circuit. - In addition, with regard to the individual functions of the
controller 100, part thereof may be implemented by thededicated hardware 130, and the other part thereof may be implemented by software or firmware. Thus, the processing circuit implements the individual functions of thecontroller 100 with thehardware 130, the software, the firmware, or a combination thereof. - In the case where damage or the like has occurred in the pipe of the
refrigerant circuit 10, the refrigerant gas in therefrigerant circuit 10 sometimes leaks. As a result, there are cases where the total amount of the refrigerant in therefrigerant circuit 10 becomes insufficient or the refrigerant is lost. When thecompressor 3 is continuously operated in a state in which the refrigerant in therefrigerant circuit 10 is insufficient or lost, there is a possibility that thecompressor 3 is damaged. In the following description, the state in which the refrigerant in therefrigerant circuit 10 is insufficient or lost (abnormal state) is referred to as a "gas-insufficient state". A state in which the refrigerant in therefrigerant circuit 10 is sufficient (normal state) is referred to as a "gas-sufficient state". - In the
refrigeration cycle system 1 of the present embodiment, after thecompressor 3 is started, it is determined whether the refrigerant is in the gas-insufficient state or the gas-sufficient state. Hereinafter, this process is referred to as a "gas-insufficient state detection process". In the case where it is determined that the refrigerant is in the gas-insufficient state in the gas-insufficient state detection process, thecompressor 3 is stopped in order to prevent damage to thecompressor 3. -
Fig. 5 is a time chart showing the operations of the individual sections in the gas-insufficient state detection process of therefrigeration cycle system 1 of the present embodiment. As shown inFig. 5 , when thecompressor 3 is started, thecontroller 100 causes the individual sections to operate in the following manner. - (1) After a lapse of a time t3 from the receipt of an instruction that requests starting of the
compressor 3 by thecontroller 100, theblower control section 103 starts theblower 7. At this point, thecompressor 3 and thecirculation pump 9 are not yet started. - (2) After the start of the operation of the
blower 7, the outside air temperature is detected by the outsideair temperature sensor 8. At this point, the outside air is taken in by theblower 7, and the precise outside air temperature can be thereby detected. - (3) After a lapse of a time t4 from the starting of the
blower 7, thecompressor control section 101 starts thecompressor 3. At this point, thecirculation pump 9 is not yet started. - (4) After the start of the operation of the
compressor 3, thecontroller 100 acquires the value of the compressor current detected by thecurrent detector 12 and the value of the compressor power detected by thepower detector 13. - (5) The
controller 100 stores the value of the compressor current at a point of time when a first time (time t1) has elapsed from the starting of thecompressor 3. This value is referred to as a first detection value I1. - (6) The
controller 100 stores the value of the compressor current at a point of time when a second time (time t2) has elapsed from the starting of thecompressor 3. This value is referred to as a second detection value I2. - (7) The
controller 100 stores the value of the compressor power at a point of time when a third time (time t1) has elapsed from the starting of thecompressor 3. This value is referred to as a third detection value W1. - The length of the second time (time t2) is different from the length of the first time (time t1). In the present embodiment, the first time (time t1) is longer than the second time (time t2). In the present embodiment, the length of the third time is equal to the length of the first time. The length of the third time may also be different from the length of the first time.
- The gas-insufficient state detection process is ended at the point of time when the time t1 has elapsed from the starting of the
compressor 3. As shown inFig. 5 , it is preferable for thecompressor control section 101 to maintain the operating speed of thecompressor 3 at a constant value until the first detection value I1, thesecond detection value 12, and the third detection value W1 are acquired. That is, it is preferable for thecompressor control section 101 to maintain the operating speed of thecompressor 3 at the constant value until the gas-insufficient state detection process is ended. It is preferable for the expansionvalve control section 102 to maintain the opening of theexpansion valve 5 at a constant value until the first detection value I1, the second detection value I2, and the third detection value W1 are acquired. That is, it is preferable for the expansionvalve control section 102 to maintain the opening of theexpansion valve 5 at the constant value until the gas-insufficient state detection process is ended. It is preferable for theblower control section 103 to maintain the operating speed of theblower 7 at a constant value until the first detection value I1, thesecond detection value 12, and the third detection value W1 are acquired. That is, it is preferable for theblower control section 103 to maintain the operating speed of theblower 7 at the constant value until the gas-insufficient state detection process is ended. - As shown in
Fig. 5 , during the gas-insufficient state detection process, thecirculation pump 9 is kept stopped. That is, the first detection value I1, thesecond detection value 12, and the third detection value W1 are acquired in a state in which thecirculation pump 9 does not operate. - The compressor operating speed, the expansion valve opening, and the blower operating speed after the starting of the compressor 3 (i.e., at the time of the gas-insufficient state detection process) are referred to as an initial compressor speed Fa, an initial expansion valve opening La, and an initial blower speed Za, respectively. It is preferable for the
controller 100 to set at least one of the initial compressor speed Fa, the initial expansion valve opening La, the initial blower speed Za, and the length of the time t1 (first time) based on an outside air temperature Ta detected by the outsideair temperature sensor 8. Hereinbelow, an example of this setting process will be described. - In the case where the relationship between the outside air temperature Ta and a first reference temperature Ta1 satisfies Ta ≤ Ta1, the values of the initial compressor speed Fa, the initial expansion valve opening La, the initial blower speed Za, and the time t1 are set to Fa1, La1, Za1, and t11, respectively.
- In the case where the relationship among the outside air temperature Ta, the first reference temperature Ta1, and a second reference temperature Ta2 satisfies Ta1 < Ta ≤ Ta2, the values of the initial compressor speed Fa, the initial expansion valve opening La, the initial blower speed Za, and the time t1 are set to Fa2, La2, Za2, and t12, respectively. Note that the relationship between the first reference temperature Ta1 and the second reference temperature Ta2 satisfies Ta1 < Ta2.
- In the case where the relationship between the outside air temperature Ta and the second reference temperature Ta2 satisfies Ta > Ta2, the values of the initial compressor speed Fa, the initial expansion valve opening La, the initial blower speed Za, and the time t1 are set to Fa3, La3, Za3, and t13, respectively.
- In the example described above, the values of the initial compressor speed Fa, the initial expansion valve opening La, the initial blower speed Za, and the time t1 are set according to which one of three temperature zones defined by the first reference temperature Ta1 and the second reference temperature Ta2 the outside air temperature Ta belongs to. In the case where the temperature zones are defined in this manner, the number thereof is not limited to three, and may also be two, or four or more. Alternatively, the values of the initial compressor speed Fa, the initial expansion valve opening La, the initial blower speed Za, and the time t1 may be continuously changed according to the outside air temperature Ta. In the case where the outside air temperature Ta is high and the refrigerant is in the gas-sufficient state, there is a possibility that a load applied to the
compressor 3 is increased due to an increase in refrigerant pressure during the execution of the gas-insufficient state detection process. It is possible to prevent the increase in the load applied to thecompressor 3 more reliably in that case by performing the setting process that satisfies at least one of the following conditions. That is, when the outside air temperature Ta is high, the initial compressor speed Fa may be made lower than that when the outside air temperature Ta is low. When the outside air temperature Ta is high, the initial expansion valve opening La may be made larger than that when the outside air temperature Ta is low. When the outside air temperature Ta is high, the length of the time t1 (first time) may be made shorter than that when the outside air temperature Ta is low. When the outside air temperature Ta is high, the initial blower speed Za may be made lower than that when the outside air temperature Ta is low. -
Fig. 6 is a graph showing an example of change over time of the compressor current after the starting of thecompressor 3.Fig. 6 is a graph under a given outside air temperature condition. The graph of the solid line indicates the case of the gas-insufficient state. The graph of the broken line indicates the case of the gas-sufficient state. These graphs are graphs obtained when the operation is performed with the compressor operating speed and the expansion valve opening maintained at constant values. - As shown in
Fig. 6 , in the case of the gas-sufficient state, the change of the compressor current after the starting of thecompressor 3 has a time period in which the compressor current continues to rise gradually over a relatively long time. In the case of the gas-insufficient state, the compressor current stops the rise within a short time after the starting of thecompressor 3, and becomes substantially constant thereafter. The compressor current after becoming substantially constant in the case of the gas-insufficient state is lower than the compressor current in the case of the gas-sufficient state. - It is preferable for the time t1 (first time) and the time t2 (second time) to be set to be longer than the time from the starting of the
compressor 3 until the rise of the compressor current stops in the case of the gas-insufficient state. Alternatively, it is preferable for the time t1 (first time) and the time t2 (second time) to be set to be longer than the time from the starting of thecompressor 3 until the compressor current becomes substantially constant in the case of the gas-insufficient state. - It is preferable for a difference between the time t1 (first time) and the time t2 (second time) to be set such that the increase of the compressor current during the time difference is sufficiently large in the case of the gas-sufficient state.
- The
controller 100 determines that the refrigerant is in the gas-insufficient state in the case where the first detection value I1 does not exceed a first reference value Iα and the difference between the first detection value I1 and thesecond detection value 12 does not exceed a second reference value Iβ. -
-
- As can be seen from
Fig. 6 , in the case of the gas-insufficient state, the first detection value I1 (the value of the compressor current at the point of time when the time t1 has elapsed from the starting of the compressor 3) tends to be lower than that in the case of the gas-sufficient state. Accordingly, by comparing the first detection value I1 with the first reference value Iα, it is possible to determine whether the refrigerant is in the gas-insufficient state or the gas-sufficient state accurately. - In addition, as can be seen from the drawing, in the case of the gas-sufficient state, the difference between the first detection value I1 (the value of the compressor current at the point of time when the time t1 has elapsed from the starting of the compressor 3) and the second detection value 12 (the value of the compressor current at the point of time when the time t2 has elapsed from the starting of the compressor 3) is relatively large. In contrast to this, in the case of the gas-insufficient state, the difference between the first detection value I1 (the value of the compressor current at the point of time when the time t1 has elapsed from the starting of the compressor 3) and the second detection value 12 (the value of the compressor current at the point of time when the time t2 has elapsed from the starting of the compressor 3) is relatively small. Accordingly, by comparing the difference between the first detection value I1 and the
second detection value 12 with the second reference value Iβ, it is possible to determine whether the refrigerant is in the gas-insufficient state or the gas-sufficient state accurately. - In the case where the temperature of the second fluid (the outside air in the present embodiment) that exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the
evaporator 6 is low, there are cases where the compressor current value becomes small even when the refrigerant in therefrigerant circuit 10 is not insufficient. Accordingly, there is a possibility that an erroneous determination is made only with the method in which the compressor current value is simply compared with the reference value. In contrast to this, according to the present invention, it is possible to reliably prevent such an erroneous determination by using the method of the above expression (2) or the above expression (3) in combination therewith. - As described above, in the present embodiment, the time t1 (first time) is longer than the time t2 (second time). That is, the point of time when the first detection value I1 is acquired is later than the point of time when the
second detection value 12 is acquired. With this, the following effects are obtained. In the case of the gas-sufficient state, the first detection value I1 that is compared with the first reference value Iα in the above expression (1) is larger than thesecond detection value 12. Accordingly, in the case of the gas-sufficient state, it is possible to prevent the above expression (1) from holding more reliably. Therefore, when the actual state is the gas-sufficient state, it is possible to prevent the erroneous determination that the refrigerant is in the gas-insufficient state more reliably. - As shown in
Fig. 6 , it is preferable for the point of time when thesecond detection value 12 is acquired (t2) to correspond to the point of time that belongs to the initial stage of the gradual rise of the compressor current in the case of the gas-sufficient state. It is preferable for the point of time when the first detection value I1 is acquired (t1) to correspond to the point of time that belongs to the final stage of the gradual rise of the compressor current in the case of the gas-sufficient state. With this, in the case of the gas-sufficient state, it is possible to reliably prevent the above expression (2) or the above expression (3) from holding. Therefore, when the actual state is the gas-sufficient state, it is possible to prevent the erroneous determination that the refrigerant is in the gas-insufficient state more reliably. -
Fig. 7 is a graph showing an example of change over time of the compressor power after the starting of thecompressor 3.Fig. 7 is a graph under a given outside air temperature condition. The graph of the solid line indicates the case of the gas-insufficient state. The graph of the broken line indicates the case of the gas-sufficient state. These graphs are graphs obtained when the operation is performed with the compressor operating speed and the expansion valve opening maintained at constant values. - As shown in
Fig. 7 , in the case of the gas-sufficient state, the change of the compressor power after the starting of thecompressor 3 has a time period immediately after the starting in which the compressor power sharply fluctuates, and a time period in which the compressor power continues to rise gradually over a relatively long time thereafter. In the case of the gas-insufficient state, the change of the compressor power after the starting of thecompressor 3 has a time period immediately after the starting in which the compressor power sharply fluctuates, and a time period in which the compressor power becomes substantially constant thereafter. The compressor power after becoming substantially constant in the case of the gas-insufficient state is lower than the compressor power in the case of the gas-sufficient state. - The third detection value W1 is the value of the compressor power at the point of time when the third time has elapsed from the starting of the
compressor 3. In the present embodiment, the third time is equal to the first time (t1). That is, the point of time when the third detection value W1 is acquired is equal to the point of time when the first detection value I1 is acquired. The configuration is not limited to the above configuration, and the point of time when the third detection value W1 is acquired may also be different from the point of time when the first detection value I1 is acquired. It is preferable for the third time for the acquisition of the third detection value W1 to be set to be longer than the time from the starting of thecompressor 3 until the compressor power becomes substantially constant in the case of the gas-insufficient state. In addition, it is preferable for the point of time when the third detection value W1 is acquired to correspond to the point of time that belongs to the final stage of the gradual rise of the compressor power in the case of the gas-sufficient state. - In the case where the third detection value W1 (the value of the compressor power at the point of time when the third time (t1) has elapsed from the starting of the compressor 3) does not exceed a third reference value Wγ, the
controller 100 determines that the refrigerant is in the gas-insufficient state. -
- As can be seen from
Fig. 7 , in the case of the gas-insufficient state, the third detection value W1 (the value of the compressor power at the point of time when the third time (t1) has elapsed from the starting of the compressor 3) tends to be lower than that in the case of the gas-sufficient state. Accordingly, by comparing the third detection value W1 with the third reference value Wy, it is possible to determine whether the refrigerant is in the gas-insufficient state or the gas-sufficient state accurately. -
Fig. 8 is a flowchart of a routine executed by thecontroller 100 of therefrigeration cycle system 1 ofEmbodiment 1. The routine inFig. 8 is a routine when the gas-insufficient state detection process is performed. Thecontroller 100 executes the routine inFig. 8 in the case where thecontroller 100 receives the instruction that requests the starting of thecompressor 3 when thecompressor 3 is stopped. In Step S1, after the lapse of the time t3 from the receipt of the instruction, theblower control section 103 starts theblower 7. At this point, thecompressor 3 and thecirculation pump 9 are not yet started. - The routine transitions from Step S1 to Step S2. In Step S2, the
controller 100 acquires the value of the outside air temperature Ta detected by the outsideair temperature sensor 8. The routine transitions from Step S2 to Step S3. In Step S3, thecontroller 100 sets the initial compressor speed Fa, the initial expansion valve opening La, the initial blower speed Za, and the length of the time t1 based on the outside air temperature Ta detected by the outsideair temperature sensor 8. - The routine transitions from Step S3 to Step S4. In Step S4, after the lapse of the time t4 from the starting of the
blower 7, thecompressor control section 101 starts thecompressor 3. At this point, thecirculation pump 9 is not yet started. In Step S4, the following control is further performed. Thecompressor control section 101 controls thecompressor 3 such that the initial compressor speed Fa set in Step S3 is attained. The expansionvalve control section 102 controls theexpansion valve 5 such that the initial expansion valve opening La set in Step S3 is attained. Theblower control section 103 controls theblower 7 such that the initial blower speed Za set in Step S3 is attained. - The routine transitions from Step S4 to Step S5. In Step S5, the
controller 100 stores the value of the compressor current (second detection value 12) at the point of time when the second time (time t2) has elapsed from the starting of thecompressor 3. - The routine transitions from Step S5 to Step S6. In Step S6, the
controller 100 stores the value of the compressor current (first detection value I1) at the point of time when the first time has elapsed from the starting of thecompressor 3, and the value of the compressor power (third detection value W1) at the point of time when the third time has elapsed from the starting of thecompressor 3. Each of the first time and the third time corresponds to the time t1 set in Step S3. - The routine transitions from Step S6 to Step S7. In Step S7, the
controller 100 compares the first detection value I1 acquired in Step S6 with the first reference value Iα. In the case where I1 ≤ Iα holds, the routine transitions to Step S8. In the case where I1 ≤ Iα does not hold, the routine transitions to Step S9. - In Step S8, the
controller 100 compares the difference between the first detection value I1 acquired in Step S6 and thesecond detection value 12 acquired in Step S5 with the second reference value Iβ. In the case where I1 - I2 ≤ Iβ holds, the routine transitions to Step S10. In Step S10, thecompressor control section 101 stops thecompressor 3. In the case where the routine has transitioned to Step S10, the transition corresponds to the determination that the refrigerant is in the gas-insufficient state. According to the present embodiment, when the refrigerant is in the gas-insufficient state, by stopping thecompressor 3 in Step S10, it is possible to prevent the operation of thecompressor 3 from being continued. Accordingly, it is possible to reliably prevent the damage to thecompressor 3. - In Step S9, the
controller 100 compares the third detection value W1 acquired in Step S6 with the third reference value Wγ. In the case where W1 ≤ Wγ holds, the routine transitions to Step S10. In Step S10, thecompressor control section 101 stops thecompressor 3. In the case where the routine has transitioned to Step S10, the transition corresponds to the determination that the refrigerant is in the gas-insufficient state. - In the case where W1 ≤ Wγ does not hold in Step S9, the routine transitions to Step S11. In the case where the routine has transitioned to Step S11, the transition corresponds to the determination that the refrigerant is in the gas-sufficient state (normal). In the case where it is determined that the refrigerant is in the gas-sufficient state (normal), the
controller 100 may continue the operation of thecompressor 3 and also shift therefrigeration cycle system 1 to a normal operation. - According to the present embodiment, it is possible to perform the gas-insufficient state detection process without using the temperature of the first fluid (water in the present embodiment) heated in the
heat exchanger 4. With this, the following effects are obtained. - (1) In the case where the sensor for detecting the temperature of the first fluid heated in the
heat exchanger 4 has failed or even in the case where the above sensor is not provided, it is possible to perform the gas-insufficient state detection process. - (2) It is not necessary to wait for the rise of the temperature of the first fluid at the time of the gas-insufficient state detection process, and hence it becomes possible to speedily perform the gas-insufficient state detection process.
- (3) In the case where the target temperature of the first fluid that flows out from the
heat exchanger 4 is low, i.e., even in the case where a difference in the temperature of the first fluid between the inlet and the outlet of theheat exchanger 4 is small, it becomes possible to perform the gas-insufficient state detection process with high accuracy. - In the present embodiment, in addition to the determination that uses the first detection value I1 and the
second detection value 12 as the compressor current values, the determination that uses the third detection value W1 as the compressor power value is performed. With this, the following effects are obtained. - In the case where the operating speed of the
compressor 3 is low and the opening of theexpansion valve 5 is large, the load of thecompressor 3 is reduced. In the case where the load of thecompressor 3 is low and the outside air temperature is low, there is a possibility that the compressor current in the normal state is not more than the first reference value Iα. In such a case, in spite of the fact that the actual state is the gas-sufficient state, there is a possibility that both of I1 ≤ Iα and I1 - I2 ≤ Iβ hold. According to the present embodiment, by performing the determination that uses the third detection value W1 as the compressor power value in addition to the determination that uses the first detection value I1 and thesecond detection value 12, it is possible to prevent the erroneous determination more reliably even in the case where the load of thecompressor 3 is low and the outside air temperature is low. - The load of the
compressor 3 is increased by increasing the operating speed of thecompressor 3 or reducing the opening of theexpansion valve 5. By increasing the load of thecompressor 3, it is possible to eliminate the possibility that the compressor current in the normal state is not more than the first reference value Iα. Consequently, in the present invention, the determination may be performed by using only the first detection value I1 and thesecond detection value 12 as the compressor current values without using the compressor power value. - When the load of the
compressor 3 is increased by increasing the operating speed of thecompressor 3 or reducing the opening of theexpansion valve 5, power consumption is increased. According to the present embodiment, by performing the determination that uses the third detection value W1 as the compressor power value, it is possible to prevent the erroneous determination without increasing the load of thecompressor 3. Accordingly, it becomes possible to perform the gas-insufficient state detection process accurately while suppressing the power consumption. - According to the present embodiment, by performing the gas-insufficient state detection process based on the first detection value I1, the
second detection value 12, and the third detection value W1 that are acquired in the state in which thecirculation pump 9 does not operate, the following effects are obtained. Water is not circulated to theheat exchanger 4, and hence it is possible to prevent the state of the refrigerant from fluctuating in theheat exchanger 4. As a result, it is possible to prevent the fluctuation of the state of the refrigerant in theheat exchanger 4 from influencing the values of the compressor current and the compressor power. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the influence of a disturbance in the gas-insufficient state detection process, and hence it becomes possible to perform the gas-insufficient state detection process with higher accuracy. - According to the present embodiment, by maintaining the operating speed of the
compressor 3 at the constant value until the gas-insufficient state detection process is ended, the following effects are obtained. It is possible to prevent the fluctuation of the operating speed of thecompressor 3 from influencing the values of the compressor current and the compressor power. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the influence of the disturbance in the gas-insufficient state detection process, and hence it becomes possible to perform the gas-insufficient state detection process with higher accuracy. - According to the present embodiment, by maintaining the opening of the
expansion valve 5 at the constant value until the gas-insufficient state detection process is ended, the following effects are obtained. It is possible to prevent the fluctuation of the opening of theexpansion valve 5 from influencing the values of the compressor current and the compressor power. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the influence of the disturbance in the gas-insufficient state detection process, and hence it becomes possible to perform the gas-insufficient state detection process with higher accuracy. - According to the present embodiment, by maintaining the operating speed of the
blower 7 at the constant value until the gas-insufficient state detection process is ended, the following effects are obtained. It is possible to prevent the state of the refrigerant in theevaporator 6 from fluctuating. It is possible to prevent the fluctuation of the state of the refrigerant in theevaporator 6 from influencing the values of the compressor current and the compressor power. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the influence of the disturbance in the gas-insufficient state detection process, and hence it becomes possible to perform the gas-insufficient state detection process with higher accuracy. - In the present embodiment, it is preferable to set at least one of the initial compressor speed Fa, the initial expansion valve opening La, the initial blower speed Za, and the length of the first time based on the outside air temperature Ta detected by the outside
air temperature sensor 8. With this, in the case where the outside air temperature Ta is extremely low or in the case where the outside air temperature Ta is extremely high as well, it is possible to prevent the erroneous determination in the gas-insufficient state detection process more reliably. The length of the second time may be constant irrespective of the outside air temperature Ta. - The present embodiment has described the case where the present invention is applied to the heat pump system used for heating of the first fluid in the heat exchanger. The application of the present invention is not limited to the heat pump system, and the present invention can also be applied to other refrigeration cycle systems (e.g., a refrigeration cycle system for air cooling or cold storage that is used for cooling of the second fluid in the evaporator).
-
- 1
- refrigeration cycle system
- 3
- compressor
- 4
- heat exchanger
- 4a
- refrigerant passage
- 4b
- fluid passage
- 5
- expansion valve
- 6
- evaporator
- 7
- blower
- 8
- outside air temperature sensor
- 9
- circulation pump
- 10
- refrigerant circuit
- 12
- current detector
- 13
- power detector
- 20
- fluid circuit
- 100
- controller
- 101
- compressor control section
- 102
- expansion valve control section
- 103
- blower control section
- 104
- pump control section
- 105
- time measurement section
- 110
- processor
- 120
- memory
- 130
- hardware
- 200
- remote control device
Claims (5)
- A refrigeration cycle system (1) comprising:a refrigerant circuit (10) having a compressor (3) configured to compress a refrigerant;means (12) for detecting a compressor current, which is an electric current supplied at least to the compressor (3);means (100) for acquiring a first detection value, which is a value of the compressor current at a point of time when a first time has elapsed from starting of the compressor (3);means (100) for acquiring a second detection value, which is a value of the compressor current at a point of time when a second time shorter than the first time has elapsed from the starting of the compressor (3); andmeans (101) for stopping the compressor (3) in a case where the first detection value does not exceed a first reference value, and a difference between the first detection value and the second detection value does not exceed a second reference value.
- The refrigeration cycle system (1) according to claim 1, further comprising:means (13) for detecting compressor power, which is electric power consumed at least by the compressor (3);means (100) for acquiring a third detection value, which is a value of the compressor power at a point of time when a third time has elapsed from the starting of the compressor (3); andmeans (101) for stopping the compressor (3) in a case where the third detection value does not exceed a third reference value.
- The refrigeration cycle system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising:a heat exchanger (4) configured to exchange heat between the refrigerant compressed by the compressor (3) and a first fluid; anda first fluid actuator (9) configured to supply the first fluid to the heat exchanger (4), whereinthe first detection value and the second detection value are acquired in a state in which the first fluid actuator (9) does not operate.
- The refrigeration cycle system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising:a decompression device (5) configured to decompress the refrigerant;an evaporator (6) configured to evaporate the refrigerant;a second fluid actuator (7) configured to supply to the evaporator (6) a second fluid that exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the evaporator (6); andmeans (100) for maintaining at least one of an operating speed of the compressor (3), an opening of the decompression device (5), and an operating speed of the second fluid actuator (7) at a constant value until the first detection value and the second detection value are acquired.
- The refrigeration cycle system (1) according to claim 4, further comprising:means (8) for detecting a temperature of the second fluid supplied to the evaporator (6); andmeans (100) for setting, based on the temperature of the second fluid supplied to the evaporator (6), at least one of the operating speed of the compressor (3) after the starting of the compressor (3), the opening of the decompression device (5) after the starting of the compressor (3), the operating speed of the second fluid actuator (7) after the starting of the compressor (3), and a length of the first time.
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JP3999961B2 (en) * | 2001-11-01 | 2007-10-31 | 株式会社東芝 | refrigerator |
JP2004162979A (en) * | 2002-11-12 | 2004-06-10 | Daikin Ind Ltd | Air conditioner |
JP2005090925A (en) * | 2003-09-19 | 2005-04-07 | Toshiba Corp | Refrigerant leakage detecting device and refrigerator using the same |
WO2006009141A1 (en) * | 2004-07-16 | 2006-01-26 | Daikin Industries, Ltd. | Air-conditioning apparatus |
JP2006266536A (en) * | 2005-03-22 | 2006-10-05 | Hoshizaki Electric Co Ltd | Freezing apparatus |
JP2008190840A (en) * | 2007-02-08 | 2008-08-21 | Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd | Heat pump type water heater |
JP5239204B2 (en) * | 2007-04-25 | 2013-07-17 | パナソニック株式会社 | Refrigeration cycle equipment |
JP5212330B2 (en) * | 2009-10-13 | 2013-06-19 | ダイキン工業株式会社 | Air conditioner |
US9869499B2 (en) * | 2012-02-10 | 2018-01-16 | Carrier Corporation | Method for detection of loss of refrigerant |
JP5817683B2 (en) * | 2012-08-24 | 2015-11-18 | 三菱電機株式会社 | Heat pump water heater |
JP6079657B2 (en) * | 2014-01-28 | 2017-02-15 | 株式会社デンソー | Refrigeration cycle equipment |
-
2015
- 2015-09-07 JP JP2017538485A patent/JP6394813B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2015-09-07 EP EP15903525.2A patent/EP3348938B1/en active Active
- 2015-09-07 WO PCT/JP2015/075311 patent/WO2017042859A1/en active Application Filing
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP3348938A1 (en) | 2018-07-18 |
JPWO2017042859A1 (en) | 2017-11-16 |
EP3348938A4 (en) | 2019-04-24 |
WO2017042859A1 (en) | 2017-03-16 |
JP6394813B2 (en) | 2018-09-26 |
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